Red bumps on the skin are quite common in children and can stem from a number of causes. Children typically have more sensitive skin than adults, which can react to environmental factors such as heat, moisture, detergents and insect bites more readily. Viral or bacterial infections can cause rashes, as can allergies. Most often, red bumps and rashes are not serious in nature and will clear without medical treatment. However, a rash that persists for more than a few days, is recurring in nature, or comes with a fever may require evaluation by your pediatrician.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, often called prickly heat, is a very common source of red bumps appearing on the skin of children, especially in hot, humid climates. According to Skinsight, heat rash is caused by blockage of the sweat glands and can be triggered by excessive sweating, being overdressed for the temperature, or high fever. Heat rash can cause discomfort, itching and stinging pain and is most likely to occur in covered areas where there is friction, such as under clothing or diapers, although it can appear anywhere on the body.
Eczema
According to MedlinePlus, eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common hereditary condition that produces and itchy rash that most often develops during the infant and toddler years. Eczema can appear on the face, arms, legs and trunk, and may be associated with allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergies or seasonal allergies.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed due to direct contact with an irritating substance or one that a person is allergic or sensitive to, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Among the most common causes of contact dermatitis are poison ivy or poison oak, but the condition can be triggered by a number of other substances. These can include chemicals in laundry products, such as detergents or fabric softeners, metals in jewelry, snaps or buckles and ingredients in skin care products or cosmetics.
Bacterial Infections
Common bacterial skin infections in children are impetigo and cellulitis, which, according to FamilyDoctor, are typically caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria. Impetigo cause a honey-colored, crusty rash that often appears on the face, near the mouth and nose. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that is caused by bacteria that is introduced through an open sore. The area of infection is often warm, sore to the touch and red in appearance.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are another cause of skin rash in children. Among the most common are yeast infections, or candidal dermatitis, and tinea, or ringworm. Candidal dermatitis is caused by the growth of the yeast Candida in warm, moist environments, such as in the folds of skin in the diaper area of infants. According to MedlinePlus, yeast rashes are very red and typically have small red bumps at the outer edges. According to FamilyDoctor, tinea infection is caused by fungi that cause scaly, ring-like lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.
